Architectural Instructions, APPLICATION Review Board including Guidelines, Procedure and Agreements IMPORTANT MESSAGE: ANY CHANGES TO THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR PROPERTY MUST BE APPROVED BY THE ARCHITECTUAL REVIEW BOARD (ARB) PRIOR TO WORK COMMENCING. PLEASE READ THE ATTACHEMENT WHICH EXPLAINS THIS PROCESS TO YOU Contents of packet updated 4/10/14
At Forest Meadows RE: Architectural Review Board (ARB) Guidelines and Procedures Dear Member of Four Seasons at Forest Meadows Homeowners Association, Below you will find a brief description of the Architectural Review Board (ARB), the Architectural Guidelines and the ARB Application Procedure for Four Seasons at Forest Meadows Homeowners Association. Your cooperation with and support of the following Architectural Guidelines for the Association is greatly appreciated by the ARB, the Board of Trustees and the Association Members. Why do we have Architectural Standards? The biggest investments most of us will ever make are in our homes. When we sell our home we want to get as much money as we can for our investment. The reason the builder implemented an HOA and Architectural Standards is to insure our community continues to look attractive and home values continue to increase. What looks good and is acceptable to one person might not be in the best interest of the community and may effect re-sale values negatively in our neighborhood. Architectural Standards help guarantee our community will continue to look desirable for many years to come, thus protecting our investment. Why must you have your projects approved? When we moved into Four Seasons at Forest Meadows everyone was given a copy of the by-laws. We signed a document at settlement stating we read, understood and would follow the bylaws of the HOA. The by-laws require that be/ore any changes are made to the exterior of a home or property, your project must get approval from the ARB. This rule is there to protect all of us. By everyone having their projects approved beforehand, we eliminate issues such as neighbor conflicts, unnecessary liability issues for the HOA, and projects that could negatively affect home prices in our community, Yes, what you and/or your neighbor do to your/their home or property can positively or negatively affect your home's value. Not having your project approved could lead to its removal and therefore wasting your hard earned money. Who is the Architectural Review Board Committee? The Architectural Review Board committee is made up of men and women who own homes in FSFM. We try to attract members who represent a variety of viewpoints. Our constant goal is to review applications as objectively and impartially as is possible. Decisions are based on what best serves the community and all the residents. 33 Shelly Street. Sicklerville, 08081 Phone: 56-435-0100 Fax: 56--435-3008
The ARB Application process consists of you submitting a completed ARB Application. A completed application means all information filled out where indicated, signed and dated. A blank ARB Application form is attached and consists of: ARB Application - Request for Approval of Exterior Improvement ARB Instructions FSFM Exterior Improvement Agreement - to be signed after approval of ARB applicataion FSFM Liabilities form A Plot Plan, also known as "Final Survey" for your property must be attached to your completed ARB Application (with the exception of any improvement attached to the home - i.e. door, window & garage/front door lights). All locations and dimensions of proposed improvements must be illustrated on this attached Plot Plan and accompanying sketches and must be depicted to scale. Samples of materials to be used as well as color samples photos or any other involved components of the project must be provided No plot plan is necessary if the improvement is attached to the home structure itself - i.e. door, window, and lights - since they do not alter the foot print of the home. However, the remaining items of the ARB Application process, including samples or photos etc. are required. Your application must be submitted at least one (1) week prior to the ARB Committee's meeting. An inspection of your property will be made both prior to the ARB application process to confirm location of improvement requested and after approval to confirm completion and compliance to approved application. ARB members will make every effort to contact you prior to their site visit to avoid being mistaken for unauthorized people on your property. Applicants are asked to inform the ARB if portions of their property are restricted, as in the case of locked fence gates, so that arrangements may be made to allow accessto the ARB member making the site visit. Permission for the ARB to take photos or measurements at your home is implied by your submittal an ARB application. of The ARB meets in open session typically on the third Monday of each month @ 7pm in the Clubhouse. Residents are welcome to attend. For the legal description of the ARB, the Architectural Guidelines and the ARB Application Procedure, please refer to your FSFMHOA Public Offering Statement, Attachment F Thank you for taking the time to read this information and for following the ARB Application Procedure. Sincerely, 'Mara Sifins{d Community Manager 1 FSFMHOA Public Offering Statement, Article V, Section 4. Architectural Review Board; Page 11 of 21 zfsfmhoa Public Offering Statement Attachment "F" Page 1 of 11, Paragraph One Approved by FSFM BOT on June 21, 2012 amended August 7, 2012 Updated and approved by FSFM BOT on October 18, 2012 Date of meeting updated 2013
ARB Instructions (please note some of this information is repeated from the cover letter) The purpose of the Architectural Review Board is to regulate the external design, appearance, and maintenance of the properties and of improvements thereto in such a manner as to preserve and enhance property values and to maintain a harmonious relationship among structures and natural surroundings. Please review all ARB guidelines to insure that you are familiar with any portion(s) that apply to your application. Sometimes, applicable portions are in more then one section. Information needed when submitting ARB application: ONE APPLICATION PER IMPROVEMENT When submitting ARB application, please make sure you have included all the information requested and that you have signed the front of the application and addendums. Proper completion of this application will expedite processing. Incomplete applications will be returned without approval; therefore, it is suggested you review your documents before filling out application. All ARB applications need to be returned to Four Seasons @ Forest Meadows clubhouse office (33 Shelly Street Sicklerville, NJ 08081). Application(s) must be submitted at least (7) calendar days before the scheduled ARB meeting. ARB meetings are typically held on the 3 rd Monday of each month @ 7pm, unless otherwise indicated in the monthly FSFM Calendar. NOTE: Doors will open to the public after the Work Session is concluded. Here are some examples of projects that require Final Surveyor Plot Plan, indicating location of improvement. In addition, pictures, material and color samples must be attached to the application. Antennae/Satellites Awnings Fences Landscaping Patios, Decks Final Survey with location, size of dish/pole Final Survey with location, siding color, door color, sample of fabric and size Final Survey with location, size, color and style picture of fence Final Survey with location, size of beds, type of trees and shrubs and size of trees Final Survey with location, size, type of materials used and color (picture of stones) Here are some examples of projects that may not require Final Surveyor Plot Plan; however, they do require pictures, material and color samples. Sketches or drawings may also be required. Front Door picture of door, color and style Lights-Garage, Front Door picture of lights, color and size Screen door picture of door, color and style (full view, no external grillwork ornamentation) If you have any questions or need help filling out your application, please call the FSFM Community Manager at 856-435-0100 Revised 6/20/2012 12:28 PM Approved by FSFM BOT on July 19, 2012. Date of meeting updated -2013
THE FOUR SEASONS AT FOREST MEADOWS HOA, INC. 33 Shelly Street Sicklerville, NJ 08081 Phone: (856) 435-0100 Fax: (856) 435-3008 ARB APPLICATION - REQUESTFOR APPROVAL OF EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENT Homeowner (Print): Address: Phone: Housemodel: ElevationjRoofline: Siding Color: Door color: INSTRUCTIONS Please submit one application per improvement for example if you are going to install landscaping and a storm door we would want two applications are required. Proper completion of this application will expedite processing. Incomplete applications will be returned without approval; therefore, it is suggested you review your documents before filling out application. Application MUST be accompanied by a copy of the FINAL SURVEY (issued to each homeowner at the time of settlement) showing location and dimensions of proposed improvements to scale. Exception: if the improvement is attached to the structure - i.e. door, window, lights. Please make every effort to attach additional sketches/pictures and/or material samples whenever available. Failure to do so may result in a denial or place conditions on the approval. The application must be signed by homeowner in the space below and under liabilities on the reverse side. Work MUST BEGIN within six (6) months of approval. If work is not started within six (6) months, the approved application will be null and void. Township approval is required for all construction. Prior ARB approval is necessary before submission to Township. All outside improvements/modification/changes require ARB approval. DESCRIPTION OF IMPROVEMENT I request approval of the ARB Committee to undertake the above improvement to my property at the address shown above in THE FOUR SEASONSAT FORESTMEADOWS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION. Homeowner's Signature Date ************************************************************************************************* THIS SPACE FOR USE BY THE OFFICE AND THE ARB ONLY Date application received: Approved: Application is: Date of first review by ARB: Not Approved: Comments: Signature: Date: Chairman, ARB Committee Completion Inspection Date: Completion Inspected By: Revised 6/20/2012 12:27 PM Approved by FSFM BOT on July 19, 2012
FOUR SEASONS AT FOREST MEADOWS EXTERIOR IMPROVEMENT AGREEMENT IMPROVEMENTREQUESTED: DATE OF ARB ACTION : Whereas: Resident (name) ((herein after referred to as "Resident" of (address) has applied to the Architectural Review Board of the Four Seasons at Forest Meadows Home Owners Association (hereinafter referred to as the "ARB") for an exterior improvement; and: Whereas: The ARB has reviewed the application in compliance with the ARB rules and regulations in effect at the date of the application; and: Whereas: The ARB has approved or conditionally approved the application in compliance with those rules; and: Whereas: Resident agreed to abide by the By Laws and the Rules and Regulations of Forest Meadows when the Resident bought a home at Forest Meadows or joined the BOT or ARB; and: Whereas: In the case of a conditional approval; the Resident was aware of the procedures available to contest the applied conditions; and: Whereas: Resident agrees that they will review and abide by any conditions of the approval in their entirety and: Whereas: Resident agrees that failure to comply will result in reversal of the approval and the need for any unapproved improvement to be removed at the Resident's sole expense and within days and: Whereas: Resident understands that they may be subject to fines for failure to comply with this agreement for any reason. Now Therefore the Parties hereby agree: Resident may proceed with the improvement in strict conformance to the approval (copy attached) without modifications of any kind: Signed this date Resident: Print name: ARB Officer: Print name: Revised and approved by FSFM Board of Trustees on July 18, 2013
FOUR SEASONS AT FOREST MEADOWS RESIDENT LIABILITY AGREEMENT ARB approval of a project is valid to the extent that such project complies with established architectural guidelines. It does not relieve the homeowner of responsibility for maintaining the improvement. The homeowner assumes all responsibility for any damages incurred due to this approved improvement and will indemnify, hold harmless and defend the Four Seasons at Forest Meadows Homeowners Association, Architectural Review Board, and Management against and any all claims of whatever nature and description for damages to property or injuries to persons arising directly or indirectly from the approval granted by the ARB. The parties understand and acknowledge that the area for which approval has been granted to construct the improvement, may be subject to pre-existing agreements made, requiring the Association to maintain certain areas on said property. Should it become necessary, required or appropriate for any reason for the Association to remove or alter any improvement constructed, approved or not approved by the ARB, to access underground utilities or areas protected by easements of any kind, the homeowner will be solely responsible to restore such improvement to its original conditiont their sole expense. ARB approval of any improvement shall not relieve or indemnify the homeowner of or from any liability of any kind. This is in accordance with and does not replace the agreement signed by each homeowner at the time of settlement, which reads: I/we, the buyer/buyers of the above-reference property, do hereby acknowledge that any exterior improvement to my/our property such as, but not limited to, patios, landscaping, and additions must comply with the Four Seasons at Forest Meadows Homeowners Association Architectural guidelines and approvals, as well as any necessary Township requirements regarding same prior to the work being started. Furthermore, any of these improvements must not affect the engineering design relating to but not limited to drainage on my/our property or any neighboring property. If any of the above-stated requirements are not adhered to, I/we, the buyer/buyers, shall take full responsibility to remedy any such condition as is determined by the Four Seasons at Forest Meadows Homeowners Association and or Gloucester Township. AGREED TO BY: DATE:. Homeowner signature ADDRESS: CONTACT PHONE #: EMAIL:. Revised and approved by FSFM Board of Trustees on October 17, 2013